How thick should shower door glass be?

The required glass thickness depends on the door style. Framed shower doors can safely use 1/4" (6mm) tempered glass because the metal frame provides structural support. Semi-frameless doors typically use 5/16" (8mm) or 3/8" (10mm) glass. Frameless shower doors require a minimum of 3/8" (10mm) tempered glass, with 1/2" (12mm) being the premium standard for a solid, luxury feel. Thicker glass is heavier (a 1/2" panel weighs roughly 6.5 lbs per square foot, meaning a typical 30" x 72" door panel weighs about 95 lbs), which requires heavier-duty hardware and more robust wall anchoring. All shower glass must be tempered by code — tempered glass is 4-5 times stronger than regular glass and, if it does break, shatters into small, relatively harmless granules rather than dangerous shards.

How do I maintain and clean glass shower doors?

The key to maintaining glass shower doors is preventing buildup rather than removing it. After each shower, use a squeegee to remove water from the glass surface — this 30-second habit prevents 90% of hard water spots and soap scum. For weekly cleaning, spray the glass with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. For stubborn hard water deposits, use a paste of baking soda and water applied with a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or scouring pads, as these can scratch the glass surface. If your doors have a hydrophobic coating (such as EnduroShield), follow the manufacturer's specific cleaning instructions and avoid vinegar-based cleaners, which can degrade some coatings over time. Re-apply silicone sealant along the bottom and edges every 1-2 years to maintain the watertight seal.

How long does shower glass door installation take?

The installation timeline depends on whether you are ordering stock or custom glass. For a stock-size framed or semi-frameless shower door from a home improvement store, installation can happen within a few days of purchase and takes 2-4 hours on-site. For custom frameless glass, the process involves a measurement/templating visit (30-60 minutes), a fabrication period of 1 to 3 weeks for the glass to be custom-cut, tempered, and polished, and then a final installation appointment of 2-4 hours for a single door or 4-6 hours for a full multi-panel enclosure. The silicone sealant applied during installation needs 24 hours to fully cure before the shower can be used. Plan for the total project timeline from first appointment to shower-ready to be 2-4 weeks for custom work.

residential

Shower Glass Door Cost

Published January 15, 2026 | Updated February 1, 2026

Shower Glass Door Cost

National

Normal Range for the U.S.

$530 - $1,390

Average$959

Low End$400

High End$5,000

LOW$959 AVGHIGH

Cost data based on national averages and local provider rates. Prices vary by location, materials, and project complexity. Always request a detailed quote from a licensed professional.

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A glass shower door or enclosure is one of the most impactful bathroom upgrades you can make, instantly transforming the look and feel of the space while adding real value to your home. The national average cost for a glass shower door installation is approximately $959, with most homeowners spending between $530 and $1,390 depending on the style, glass thickness, and hardware finish they choose.

The three main categories — framed, semi-frameless, and frameless — span a wide price range. Framed shower doors start around $600 and are the most budget-friendly, with metal channels surrounding the glass on all sides for a traditional look. Semi-frameless doors ($500 to $1,550) use minimal framing and strike a balance between cost and aesthetics. Frameless shower doors and enclosures represent the premium option, starting at $1,100 and reaching $5,000 or more for custom configurations with specialty hardware. Their clean, modern look and open feel make them the most popular choice for bathroom renovations.

Beyond the door style, your total cost will be influenced by the glass thickness (3/8" vs 1/2"), the hardware finish (chrome is most affordable; brushed gold and matte black command premium pricing), whether the installation is a simple door replacement or a full enclosure with fixed panels, and the complexity of your shower opening's measurements. Custom-cut glass for non-standard openings adds 20-40% to the material cost.

Cost Breakdown

Cost by Shower Door Type

Door Type	Low Cost	High Cost	Notes
Framed Shower Door	$600	$1,200	Full metal frame; most economical option
Semi-Frameless Shower Door	$500	$1,550	Partial framing; clean look at moderate cost
Frameless Shower Door (Standard)	$1,100	$3,000	Thick glass (3/8" - 1/2") with minimal hardware
Custom Frameless Enclosure	$1,400	$5,000	Multi-panel, custom-measured; premium hardware
Frameless Neo-Angle	$1,200	$3,300	Corner entry with angled panels
Sliding/Bypass Glass Door	$500	$1,500	Space-saving for tub/shower combos

Cost by Glass Thickness

Thickness	Low Cost	High Cost	Notes
1/4" (6mm) Tempered	$400	$900	Framed doors only; requires frame support
5/16" (8mm) Tempered	$600	$1,200	Semi-frameless applications
3/8" (10mm) Tempered	$800	$2,500	Standard for frameless; most popular
1/2" (12mm) Tempered	$1,200	$5,000	Premium frameless; ultra-sturdy feel

Hardware & Finish Cost Impact

Finish	Low Cost	High Cost	Notes
Chrome / Polished Chrome	$0	$0	Base price; most affordable finish
Brushed Nickel / Satin Nickel	+$50	+$150	Popular neutral finish
Matte Black	+$75	+$200	Trending modern finish; higher demand
Brushed Gold / Champagne Bronze	+$100	+$300	Premium luxury finish
Oil-Rubbed Bronze	+$75	+$250	Traditional/transitional style

Factors That Affect Cost

Glass Thickness

Thicker glass costs more but feels more substantial and luxurious. Frameless doors require a minimum of 3/8" (10mm) tempered glass for structural safety without frame support. Upgrading to 1/2" (12mm) glass adds 30-50% to the glass cost but provides a premium, solid feel.

Frameless vs Framed Design

Frameless doors are the most expensive because they require thicker, heavier glass and precision hardware (hinges, clamps, and brackets). Framed doors use thinner, lighter glass and metal channels that are less expensive to manufacture and install. The price difference between framed and frameless is typically 40-60%.

Hardware Finish

The finish of your hinges, handles, and brackets impacts the total cost. Chrome is the baseline, while matte black, brushed gold, and oil-rubbed bronze finishes add $75 to $300 to the hardware package. Matching your hardware to other bathroom fixtures creates a cohesive designer look.

Door Configuration

A single swing door is the simplest and least expensive configuration. Adding fixed panels, return panels, or creating a full enclosure with multiple glass panels increases both material and installation costs. Neo-angle and corner enclosures require more precise measurement and additional hardware.

Custom vs Standard Measurements

If your shower opening matches a standard size (typically 48", 60", or 72" widths), you can use stock glass panels and save 20-40% compared to custom-cut glass. Non-standard openings, out-of-plumb walls, or unique angles require custom measurement and fabrication.

Glass Coating Options

Protective coatings like EnduroShield, ShowerGuard, or similar hydrophobic treatments add $50 to $150 but significantly reduce water spots, soap scum buildup, and cleaning frequency. These coatings are applied during manufacturing and last 5-10 years or more.

Tile and Wall Preparation

If the shower walls or curb are not plumb, level, or structurally sound, preparation work may be needed before glass installation. Tile repair, wall reinforcement for heavy glass brackets, or curb modification can add $100 to $500 to the project.

Labor Cost Breakdown

Professional installation (standard)$200 - $500

Measurement and templating visit$0 - $100 (often included)

Removal of old door/enclosure$50 - $150

Tile repair/modification$100 - $300

Hourly rate (if quoted hourly)$50 - $100/hr

Silicone sealant and waterproofing$25 - $75

DIY vs. Professional

DIYDo It Yourself

Pre-fabricated framed shower door kits from home improvement stores ($200-$600) can be DIY-installed
Requires basic tools: drill, level, measuring tape, silicone caulk gun
Installation takes 2-4 hours for a handy homeowner
Risk of improper sealing leading to water leaks and wall damage
Not recommended for frameless glass — heavy panels require expertise and special clamps

PROHire a Professional

Precise measurement ensures watertight fit — even 1/16" matters for frameless installations
Professional handling of heavy tempered glass panels (a 3/8" frameless panel weighs 15-20 lbs per square foot)
Knowledge of building codes for tempered glass requirements in wet areas
Proper drilling into tile without cracking (requires diamond-tipped bits and experience)
Warranty on installation and waterproofing (typically 1-3 years)

Tips to Save Money

1
Choose semi-frameless over fully frameless. You get a clean, modern look at 30-40% less cost than a comparable frameless door.
2
Stick with chrome hardware. It is the most affordable finish and pairs well with most bathroom styles. Upgrading to matte black or gold adds $75-$300 in hardware costs alone.
3
Select a standard-size opening if you are building new. Designing your shower to fit standard 48" or 60" glass panels avoids the premium for custom cutting.
4
Ask about protective glass coatings. While they add $50-$150 upfront, they significantly reduce cleaning time and help the glass stay clearer longer, avoiding costly professional cleaning down the road.
5
Compare specialty glass shops vs big-box stores. Dedicated glass and shower door companies often provide better quality, warranties, and competitive pricing on frameless options compared to big-box installation services.
6
Consider a sliding bypass door for tub/shower combos. They cost $500-$1,000 compared to $1,100+ for a frameless swinging door and work better in tight bathrooms where a swinging door might hit a vanity or toilet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Framed shower doors have a continuous metal frame (usually aluminum) around the entire perimeter of the glass, including the top, bottom, and sides. This frame provides structural support, allowing the use of thinner, lighter glass (typically 1/4" or 3/16"). Frameless shower doors, by contrast, use thick tempered glass (3/8" to 1/2") that is strong enough to be self-supporting, with only minimal hardware — hinges, clamps, and a handle — attached directly to the glass and wall. Frameless doors create a more open, spacious, and modern appearance, are easier to clean (no frame channels where mold can accumulate), and are generally considered a higher-end option that adds more resale value to a home. However, they cost 40-60% more due to the thicker glass and precision hardware required.